Sociopathy vs Psychopathy

My biggest bugaboo for accuracy is when someone uses sociopath for psychopath incorrectly. Yes, sometimes a psychopath is also a sociopath, but they are two different entities.

Yes, I did just write bugaboo!

The antisocial behavior is frequently also called the sociopath. A sociopath differs from a psychopath. I have charted the differences and similarities.

Some experts believe that all Psychopaths are also sociopaths. I do not. I believe they can exist independently. As Sociopaths do not have to psychopaths but can be.

Psychopathology vs. Sociopathology

With the advance and delineation of the diagnosis of Antisocial Disorder (ASD), the line between the Psychopathology and Sociopathology has blurred, however, they are not the same disorder.

They do share many similar pathologies, but I cannot stress enough that they are not the same.

A psychopath is an individual who is mentally unbalanced (not necessarily insane) yet inclined toward antisocial and criminal behavior.

A sociopath’s behavior is abnormal by society standards. He or she is only interested in their own needs, desires, wants with no concerns for the effects that their behavior has on others.

For many, sociopathic behavior is the same as Antisocial Disorder. This is not a disorder meaning they shun others or want to be alone. Rather it means they are self-centered and selfish.

Some experts believe that all Psychopaths are also sociopaths but not all sociopaths are psychopaths.

Sociopathic behavior may be as simple as shyness or as severe as acts of homicidal mania. The sociopath might not break the law. He or she can go his or her entire life just being selfish, egotistical, narcissistic, but never commit a crime. On the other hand, the odds are great that a psychopath will commit a crime.

Compulsive liars are sociopaths as are con men.

Here is a table of basic differences between Sociopaths vs. Psychopaths:

DIFFERENCES:

Sociopath Psychopath

Do not conform to social norms. May conform to social norms.

Any Human attachment is fake. Loves their parents, spouse, kids, etc. distrusts the rest of the world

Does not suffer at a loss Suffers at a loss of loved one

Con people - generally not violent Violent acts generally preceded

(there are exceptions). by oneliness, social isolation, and

emotional pain.

Do not tend to act inward. May act inward as well outward.

Wants a willing victim (con). Doesn't care is victim is willing or

not

Believe they are all powerful; all Outwardly may appear arrogant

Knowing. yet inwardly they feel inferior.

They may use aliases. No need to use an alias.

Changes their image to avoid arrest. Generally they keep the same

image

Generally, fail to plan ahead. Generally do not learn from their

experience.

Unable to honor obligations unless Will honor obligations

it is part of their plan.

Intelligence level varies. Generally of high intelligence.

May be a leader (like a cult). Not.

Sensitive to their own pain and health Doesn't generally care about

Conscious. their looks.

The psychopath who is also a sociopath has the characteristics of both and is serious trouble!

SIMILARITIES

Both are:

• Deceitful.
• Liars, pathologically.
• Superficial Charm (but not all psychopaths are charming).
• Show no remorse or guilt.
• Tend to need excessive stimulation.
• Paranoid.
• Do not accept responsibility for own actions.
• Have no conscience.
• Impulsive.
• Manipulative.
• Promiscuous.
• Show no shame.

More detailed characteristics of the sociopath:

• They do not conform to social norms.
• They are deceitful.
• They lie. Pathologically.
• They con.
• They use aliases.
• They fail to plan ahead.
• They act impulsively.
• They have no regard for the safety of others as well as to themselves.
• They are unable to honor obligations.
• They have no remorse.
• They are irresponsible.
• They do not feel love.
• They do not affectionate.
• They are glib.
• They are charming (but superficially).
• They are manipulative.
• They have delusions of Grandeur.
• They have no shame.
• They feel no guilt.
• They are Shallow.
• They need stimulation - lives life on the edge; Test followers with off the wall rules, punishments, and behaviors. May verbally outburst and physically punish those around him/her.
• They are callous.
• They use rage and are abusive, may alternate with what appears to be love and approval, but is just enough to create a cycle of false hope for the victim.
• They believe they are all powerful, all knowing.
• They may have early behavioral problems, juvenile delinquency.
• They are irresponsible.
• They are unreliable.
• They are promiscuous.
• They are infidel, but has rules for others, breaks up marriages, rules on their dating, etc.
• They have no life plan.
• They are parasitic in their lifestyle.
• They move around a lot.
• They are leaders (as in a cult), opulent lifestyle, and has followers in poverty.
• They are very sensitive to their own pain and health conscious.
• They change their image to avoid arrest and prosecution or to recruit members.
• They adapt easily to new locations.
• They relocate easily.
• They see nothing wrong with themselves.
• They are authoritarian.
• They are secretive.
• They are paranoid.
• Their appearance tends to be conventional (not out there.)
• Their goal to enslave their "victims."
• They need to justify their crimes in order to get an affirmation from their victim.
• They want a willing victim.
• Any human attachment is fake.
• They are narcissistic. Their goal is to rule the world.

The Con Man – an example of a Sociopath

• Make promises
• Project themselves as romantic or noble figures
• Claim to have authority (they do not)
• Unable to work with others or carry out rational plan.
• May display symptoms of paranoia, grandeur, exalted titles, pretentious
• Elaborate structures that do not exist
• Petty lawbreaking -- their higher calling allows them to –
• and then talks of hypocrisy of lawbreaking if caught.

Movies about con men:

Confidence

Matchstick Men

Grifters

Cult leaders - another example of a Sociopath

They are...

• Are Charismatic
• Have the Ability to sell themselves and their group (see con men -- which is coming up)
• Generate great wealth
• Are Mesmerizing
• Are the single authority
• Have credentials that tend to be of question – they are fake, they claim to be taught.
• Tend to have a great deal of sex (with all the female members, and sometimes with males). Promiscuous

• Makes promises they cannot deliver -- we will travel to a new world, etc.
• Always claim the government, etc., are out to harm them, shut them down
• Are Glib
• Are Manipulating
• Are Grandiose
• Are Pathological liars
• Feel no remorse, shame, or guilt
• Have shallow emotions if any

The Psychopath shares many of the same characteristics but as I repeat myself is not the same:

Detailed characteristics of the Psychopath:

• Pathological Egocentricity
• Deceitful
• Has a shallow affect
• Manipulative
• Selfish
• No empathy
• Does not feel guilt or remorse
• No conscience
• Prone to boredom
• Need to keep stimulated
• Does not accept responsibility for own actions
• Superficial Charm
• High intelligence
• Poor Judgment
• Does not learn from experience
• No shame
• Pathological liar
• Impulsive
• Poor to no self-control
• Promiscuous
• Criminal versatility
• Loves their parents, spouse, children, but distrusts rest of the world
• Suffers at the loss of a parent, spouse, child or at the dissatisfaction of their
• Own deviant behavior
• Frequent chaotic family life
• Lack of parental attention and guidance
• Parents have abused substances, be divorced, etc.
• Outwardly feel arrogant, but inwardly feel inferior
• They can superficially adapt to any environment
• They can be popular
• They hide their true nature
• They need excessive stimulation
• Violent acts are preceded by loneliness, social isolation, and emotional pain
• Paranoid
• May target aggression inwards as well as outward

Types of Psychopaths:

A. The "Jekyll/Hyde" Psychopath - As the name implies, he is two different people. He tends to come on strong, the kind that sweeps you off your feet. Or he may play the role of victim. He may be the control freak that offers care and someone who will take care of you. All of these are false. They are designed to reel you in and then become the monster he really is. He has multiple relationships and victims.

B. The Female Psychopath - chambering like a "southern belle." She appears helpless, needy. She gets strangers to give her things. She plays at being the victim luring her prey. Once in her web she becomes cunning, ruthless, predatory, and loveless. A black widow.

C. The "Liar Liar" Psychopath - lies just to lie. He is articulate, will evade questions, and omit facts. His story may change a thousand times. And each time he will tell it as it is the first time.

D. The "Thrill Seeker" Psychopath - Constantly seeking thrills and each time riskier and riskier. The need escalates. The recklessness increases. Poor impulse control. Very bad judgment. Substance abuse is common as well as criminal activity.

E. The "Malevolent" psychopath - Cold, vacant eyes. Serial Killers, wife beaters, murderers, rapists, stalkers, terrorists, harassers, etc. Rage. He knows he is going to be betrayed, humiliated, and punished, so he does it first. He is extremely dangerous and generally unpredictable. No remorse. No conscience.

F. The "Arrogant" Psychopath - He must be center stage. But his mask is one of false arrogance. He must attention whether it is love or hate, reverence or fear and hatred makes not matter. Fame or infamy. Pure attention.

G. The "Charismatic" Psychopath - highly manipulative to obtain money, control, compliance, attention. He is highly effective in brainwashing techniques. He/she portrays themselves as virtuous, perfect father/mother, spiritual leader, mentor, friend.

H. The "Promiscuous" Psychopath - needs sex. Male or female. Pornography, hyper sexuality, masturbation. Young, old, target does not matter. Whatever is available. Probable preference for sado-maso sexual activities. His demands increase.

I. The "Nomadic" Psychopath - he wonders, with no long-term goals, no realistic expectations. Aimless. Lacks commitment. But aggressively pursues others for their gratification.

J. The "Con man/Manipulator" Psychopath - A charmer. Keeps his targets and allies separate to avoid contamination. Will frequently accuse you of breaking the contract first to avoid getting caught when the fire gets too hot.

K. The "Professional Bully" Psychopath - Intelligent. Fakes his credentials. Exploits others. Back stabs. Sets others up to fall so he can save the day.

L. The "Psychopathic Child" - shows signs at an early age. As a juvenile may lie, fight, steal, bully, be cruel to animals, cheat. Use bad judgment, vandalize, be truant, sexual activity, runaway, and. substance abuse.

Next time you meet someone will you look at their behavior in a new light?

I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psychopathology) and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology (Body Language, Lying and Manipulation). I have interviewed 77 serial killers and mass murderers. If you learned something from this article, please share the link, like it, or leave a tip!